Glossary

Glossary Terms beginning with the letter A :

ACAS
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service: a nation-wide network of Public Enquiry Points which answer queries on employment law and related issues, and can offer a conciliation service in cases of potential discrimination. ACAS equivalent body in Northern Ireland is the Labour Relations Agency.

Advent
The coming or second coming of Christ.

Age discrimination
Occurs when someone is treated unfairly or badly compared to others because of how old they are. This happens because people have unfair, old fashioned, stereotypical or prejudiced ideas or beliefs about older people or young people in particular.

Age discrimination - how?
Age discrimination happens in a more indirect way, where a rule or condition has a greater negative impact on people of a particular age, e.g., stating that an applicant must have 10 years experience would disadvantage young people and unless it was a reasonable requirement for the job would be indirect discrimination.In 2006 there will be legislation covering age discrimination

Age Diveristy At Work
Means employing people of all ages, and not discriminating against someone because of how old they are. The code covers good practice in six areas of employment.

Agender
noting or relating to a person who does not have a specific gender identity or recognizable gender expression

Anand Karaj
The ceremony of joy. This is the marriage ceremony for a Sikh couple and takes place at the gurdwara (temple).

Anglicanism
The Church of England, a reformed and world-wide Christian group, dates from the late sixteenth century. It is a bridge between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

Asexual
Asexual people do not experience sexual attraction to either males or females.